"MC Lyte is at the top of the list when you talk about Hip Hop pioneers. She paved the way for myself and many of today's greatest MC's. I'm honored to have the opportunity to show my respect and how she influenced me." said Lil Kim in a statement.

Hosted by Ice T, “VH1 Hip Hop Honors�? pays homage to the hip hop pioneers and luminaries who transformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today’s hottest new talent. This year’s celebration will honor Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E. With the exception of Russell Simmons, Afrika Bambaataa and Eazy E, all the honorees are set to take the stage and showcase their legendary talent, along with Lil Kim, Diddy, Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Remy Ma, Q-Tip, Common, George Clinton and Young Jeezy. With appearances by Outkast and Mike Epps. Ahmir “?uestlove�? Thompson of the Roots will be this year’s musical director. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

Past honorees include Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, KRS-One, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, Public Enemy, Rock Steady Crew, Tupac Shakur, The Graffiti Movement, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Ice T, Notorious B.I.G., Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Salt –N– Pepa, and the film Boyz N The Hood with performances by Kid Rock, Nas, Anthrax, MC Hammer, Kanye West, Nelly, T.I., En Vogue, Ludacris, Chic, Doug E. Fresh, Faith Evans, Ciara, The Roots, Pete Rock and Biz Markie.

Beginning September 15, VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel at http://vspot.vh1.com will launch a dedicated Hip Hop channel with extensive on-demand music playlists from this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" honorees. The channel will be programmed with additional content throughout September and October and will include honoree profiles and exclusive programming and performances from the on-air broadcast of the show. A dedicated "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" blog and will launch later this month on http://www.vh1.com.

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is sponsored by T-Mobile, USA, Chevrolet, Taco Bell® Corp, Jergens® Shea Butter and Warner Bros. Pictures: Blood Diamond.

This year’s “VH1 Hip Hop Honors�? will be executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. Co-executive producers are Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddy. Louis J. Horvitz will direct.